Bourbon is ... Bourbon: the price. Bourbon at home

Strong alcoholic beverages are a classic of their style. Without them it is difficult to imagine an aristocratic image. This kind of alcohol has a special flavor and a bouquet of taste. Therefore, you should drink it in your own way. Bourbon is a terrific drink with an amusing history of origin. He has his own culture of drinking. Bourbon is included in the list of noble drinks. It is believed that it is used only by people with impeccable taste.

A bit of history

The very name of this strong drink is French. However, bourbon was invented by Americans. And this is an official historical fact. Today we can enjoy the rich taste of bourbon, thanks to the Irish, as well as the Scottish settlers. They found shelter in Kentucky. And in this state there was a small town Bourbon. It was called by the locals, who still yearned for their native France.

Neither the Scots nor the Irish could imagine their lives without classical whiskey. But for its preparation, rye and barley were needed. And here it was quite problematic to grow them in sufficient quantities. But with corn such problems were not observed. Not wanting to change the habitual foundations and abandon the favorite alcohol, the settlers decided to adapt to local conditions and unusual raw materials at first. In fact, bourbon - this is the same whiskey, cooked on the basis of corn. But it differs from its ancestor in taste and appearance. It is believed that bourbon was born approximately in the 18-19th centuries.

Method of preparation

Following the established traditions, the raw materials for this drink are allowed to infuse for about 2-4 years. However, for certain species of bourbon, an exception can be made. Insists alcohol in special barrels, pre-baked from the inside. This affects the color of the drink. In addition, the taste of bourbon acquires an exclusive memorable zest. Barrels must be stored for the entire duration of the special storage. The temperature in the room is practically no different from external weather conditions. This drink is most often added to cocktails. Such a bourbon at home can cook even a beginner. The cost of such a drink is, on average, 800-1000 rubles per bottle.

Where it is more difficult with a drink, which insists 6-20 years. On the label of bottles with this elite alcohol will necessarily be the inscription reserved, as well as the age of the drink. The main distinguishing feature of this bourbon is its taste and aroma. Swallowing this drink or diluting it with anything is a real blasphemy. The price of such a high-grade masterpiece starts from 2000-3000 rubles per 1 bottle.

Corn Whiskey Ingredients

As mentioned above, the main ingredient from which the classic bourbon is prepared is corn. Her in the drink should be at least 51%. In addition to corn, barley and rye are also used. Do not confuse bourbon with corn whiskey. In fact, it's the same thing. However, the last alcoholic beverage implies the presence of 80% of the main component. Therefore, his taste will be completely different.

The taste of the drink

The bouquet directly depends on the aging time of alcohol. If it is a more affordable option, which you insist 2-4 years, in this case you will not feel any special frills. Such a drink can be drunk at a salvo or diluted with something for a more multifaceted and pleasant taste. In addition, bourbon minimum aging time is most often used in alcoholic cocktails. It gives a surprisingly piquant spice.

If you want to feel something special, in this case pay attention to the more expensive bourbon. Reviews of such a drink with an exposure of up to 20 years are extremely enthusiastic. Such alcoholic nectar already no one will drink like banal vodka. This bourbon should be enjoyed slowly, savoring every sip. The astringency of corn fades into the background. You can easily feel the notes of chocolate, vanilla or even skin.

In comparison with Scotch whiskey , the classical version of bourbon has a rather heavy taste. This is caused by a lot of corn. Many manufacturers resort to various kinds of additives to soften and enrich the bouquet of aftertaste. You immediately recognize sweet notes. The fact is that the burnt barrel walls contribute to the formation of caramel flavor in bourbon.

Bouquet of fragrance

No less attractive is the smell emitted by this alcoholic beverage. A good bourbon, the price of which can reach tens of thousands of rubles per bottle, has a thick aroma with sugary notes. In this case, in general, the smell can be called quite tart and saturated. When heated, it intensifies, so the connoisseurs of this drink are strongly advised to pre-warm the glass in the palms. Experts say that the aroma bouquet contains notes of maple, vanilla, flowers and cinnamon.

Bourbon grades

There are two main types of this alcohol: direct and blended. The bottle must be marked with a label informing the customer about the beverage variety. This refers to straight and blended inscriptions. The first variety does not provide for the presence of any additives, as well as neutral alcohol. The strength of the drink reaches 80 degrees.

Blended bourbon is also called diluted. Manufacturers often reduce the strength of the drink with distilled water. In this case, alcohol, as a rule, has a strength below 40 degrees.

Virtually all varieties of bourbon have a beautiful dark golden hue. Connoisseurs call it amber or orange.

How to drink bourbon correctly

Connoisseurs of this type of alcohol almost unanimously assert that it is necessary to use corn whiskey strictly from glasses with a thick bottom and thinner glass walls. In the USA, this capacity is called old glass. It is believed that only in these glasses fully reveals a stunning color. In the deep depths of amber, rich sparks of golden hue begin to flash.

Bourbon is a drink for a leisurely and peaceful pastime in complete solitude or in a narrow circle of close people. Also in America, such alcohol is considered an excellent option for long-term business meetings. Bourbon is considered a masculine drink. However, the lady does not interfere with joining the conversation with a glass of corn whiskey in her hand. Such an act will not be regarded as a violation of traditions.

Before you sip a strong liquid, you need to hold the container with it in your hands and warm the contents, gently shake the glass. After that, you can breathe in a terrific fragrance and take the first sip. Drink bourbon slowly and sedately. Do this in small sips. After each it is recommended to feel a rich aftertaste. Bourbon gently envelops the throat and warms perfectly. It is not recommended to have a snack at once.

With what you can combine

In the drink you can add ice cubes. However, many experts say that the best bourbon is pure and without any impurities of foreign ingredients. Despite this, a lot of delicious cocktails have been created on the basis of corn whiskey. The most successful combination is a mixture of bourbon with rum, sweet liqueur, various fruit, as well as berry juices without pulp, natural syrups.

It is believed that there is simply no need to have a good drink, so as not to eclipse its true taste. However, bourbon is a very strong drink. Especially when it comes to the "direct" variety. You can drink it with non-acidic juices or soda. Bites of corn whiskey sushi, roquefort cheese, sometimes lemon, as well as fresh fruits and berries. The most successful accompanying menu for bourbon is the following dishes: smoked salmon in sour cream, cream cheese soup with the addition of toasts and white onions, dark or white chocolate with almonds interspersed, scallops with butter sauce and puree from green peas, roast lamb , Truffles, coffee, sorbet from cranberries and apples.

The most popular variety

If you want to spend the evening in seclusion and tranquility, then the best drink for such a situation will be traditional corn whiskey. Bourbon "Jim Beam" - this is a real legend in America. This trademark was officially registered back in 1934. However, the history of this type of alcohol goes back to the 18th century. The most famous are the varieties called Jim Beam Black and Jim Beam White. It is they who are recognized as the standards of corn whiskey by most of the true connoisseurs of bourbon.